C2 Lesson 4: Masterful Control of Organization, Connectors and Cohesion
Achieving Seamless Logical Flow
At the C2 level, writing is not merely about conveying information but about crafting a compelling and effortless experience for the reader. This requires masterful control over the logical flow of your ideas, a concept often called coherence1. We will explore a core principle that underpins sophisticated writing: the Known-New Contract.
The Core Principle: The "Known-New Contract"
The Known-New Contract is a fundamental rhythm in clear, persuasive writing. It dictates that each sentence should begin with "known" information—an idea or concept already familiar to the reader from the previous sentence—and end by introducing "new" information. This creates a powerful logical chain, guiding the reader smoothly from one idea to the next.
Example of the Known-New Contract in Action
Version 1 (Less Coherent):
The rapid development of artificial intelligence presents many opportunities. A significant challenge is the potential for job displacement. Ethical guidelines are necessary to manage this technology responsibly.
Version 2 (Masterful Cohesion):
The rapid development of artificial intelligence presents many opportunities. Among these possibilities, however, is the significant challenge of job displacement. This ethical problem necessitates the creation of clear guidelines to ensure the technology is managed responsibly.
Notice how Version 2 uses "These possibilities" (known) to introduce "job displacement" (new), and then uses "This ethical problem" (known) to introduce "clear guidelines" (new). The logic is seamless.
Cohesion in Action: A Deconstructed C2 Paragraph
Let's analyze a paragraph to see how multiple cohesive devices, including the Known-New Contract, create a powerful argument.
Recent archaeological findings suggest that ancient Khmer society possessed a highly sophisticated understanding of hydrology. This advanced knowledge was not merely theoretical; rather, it was practically applied in the construction of the vast barays and canal systems surrounding Angkor. Such complex water management systems would have been essential for sustaining a large population and enabling multiple rice harvests per year. Consequently, the empire's economic prosperity and political stability were intrinsically linked to its hydraulic engineering prowess.
Analysis of Cohesive Devices:
- "This advanced knowledge...": A "this + summary word" bridge, fulfilling the Known-New Contract. "Knowledge" (known) links to the new idea of its practical application.
- "Such complex water management systems...": Another summary phrase fulfilling the contract. "Systems" (known) links to the new idea of their purpose (sustaining a population).
- "Consequently,...": A sophisticated discourse marker2 that signals a logical result, creating a cause-and-effect link.
- Lexical Chain: Note the chain of related words: hydrology → water management → hydraulic engineering. This avoids repetition and adds sophistication.
Practice Quiz: Building a Coherent Argument
Read the sentence below. Which option provides the most logical and coherent continuation using the Known-New Contract?
Sentence: "The widespread adoption of remote work has fundamentally altered traditional office culture."
- Companies are now investing in new collaboration software.
- This shift has forced many companies to rethink their approach to team collaboration and employee engagement.
- Furthermore, the 9-to-5 workday is becoming less common.
Answer: B. It is the strongest choice because "This shift" directly refers to the "fundamental alteration" (known information) from the first sentence, before introducing the new concepts of collaboration and engagement.
Homework: Weaving a Cohesive Narrative
Your Task: Combine the following simple sentences into a single, sophisticated, and cohesive paragraph in your notebook. Use the Known-New Contract and at least one other advanced cohesive device.
• Cambodia has a very young population.
• A young population presents a significant opportunity for economic growth.
• This opportunity depends on investment in education and vocational training.
• Providing high-quality training is a major challenge for the government.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Coherence: (Noun) - Khmer: ភាពចុះសម្រុងគ្នា - The quality of being logical, consistent, and easy to understand. ↩
- Discourse Marker: (Noun Phrase) - Khmer: សញ្ញាសម្គាល់សុន្ទរកថា - Words or phrases like 'consequently', 'nevertheless', or 'furthermore' that organize and connect ideas. ↩
- Known-New Contract: (Noun Phrase) - Khmer: កិច្ចសន្យាចាស់-ថ្មី - A principle in writing where sentences start with known information and end with new information to create logical flow. ↩
- Sophistication: (Noun) - Khmer: ភាពទំនើប - The quality of having a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture. ↩
- Seamless: (Adjective) - Khmer: គ្មានថ្នេរ - Perfectly smooth, with no noticeable gaps or joins. ↩